Abilities Centre – Abilities Centre and Canadian Tire Jumpstart Charities Announce National Partnership

Whitby-ON – On Monday, October 23, Abilities Centre and Canadian Tire Jumpstart Charities announced a $1.7 million partnership in support of helping all children and youth, regardless of ability, engage in a life of sport and physical activity.

“Through this partnership, Abilities Centre will help nearly 100,000 children and youth across Canada find a love of sport through physical activity that is truly accessible,” says Leo Plue, Executive Director of Abilities Centre. “This is a transformative commitment for children living with and without disabilities here in Durham and across Canada.”

Based in Whitby, the Abilities Centre is an internationally renowned and innovative charitable organization and community hub, where people of all ages and abilities enrich their lives by engaging in social, health and cultural programs, delivering sports and recreation, health and fitness, arts and culture, and life skills programming.

In addition, Abilities Centre is recognized as a growing leader in research and education in support of stronger communities, in Durham and across the country, to champion and celebrate the diverse backgrounds and abilities of all community members.

This landmark initiative is one of the largest of its kind in Canada, and will have a major impact in removing barriers for children with physical and cognitive disabilities while inspiring all children and youth to take part in sport and physical activity for life.

“Our goal is to both help more Canadian children and youth find a love of sport, but also to change the fabric of sport and recreation throughout Canada through the lens of inclusion,” says Stuart McReynolds, Abilities Centre’s Director, Sport and Recreation.

In addition to providing programs for children and youth living in the Durham region, this commitment will lay the foundation for expansion of Abilities Centre programming to other communities in Canada, and in the Ottawa region in particular.

“We are deeply appreciative of the opportunity to continue our collaboration with Canadian Tire Jumpstart Charities,” says Leo Plue. The Abilities Centre became a Jumpstart community partner in 2013, and since has helped more than 12,500 children through various programs.

Today, the Abilities Centre hosted a Jumpstart Games for over 250 kids from two schools in Durham Region, also welcoming Paralympians, Kevin Rempel, Para Ice Hockey athlete, Melanie Hawtin, Wheelchair Basketball athlete and Sitting Volleyball athlete, Jesse Buckingham to participate in activities with the kids, including Wheelchair Basketball, Boccia, Archery and more.

For more information:

Media Contact: Heather St. Amand, 905.665.8500 ext. 116 hstamand@abilitiescentre.org